France to freeze assets of JeM chief Azhar

New Delhi, Mar 15 : In a major display of strategic partnership with India and solidarity on the issue of terror, France on Friday announced that it will "freeze" all assets of JeM chief Masood Azhar in application of the country's Monetary and Financial Code.

The French government's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, said - "France has always been and will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism. France has decided to sanction Masood Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets in application of the Monetary and Financial Code".

In a tweet, French envoy to India Alexandre Ziegler also said - "A deadly attack took place in Pulwama on 14th February 2019, claiming over 40 victims from the Indian police forces. The Jaish-e-Mohammed, which the United Nations has deemed to be a terrorist organization since 2001, has claimed responsibility for this attack".

"A joint decree of the Ministries of the Interior, and Economy and Finance was published today in the Official Gazette," the statement said.

France, which was one of the main initiators for the proposal to list Azhar at UNSC and wherein the move was blocked by China, also announced - "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree". (UNI)